Jan2016Newsletter

Executive Director Brian Allen Board of Directors Ronald Newman Chairman

Words from an Orphan...

Excerpt from “Fields of the Fatherless” by C. Thomas Davis: I hated my life since the third grade when I was unmercifully beaten. I felt then that life is lost and death is looking for me. And my tears were telling me that life was nothing in comparison with death. I felt like a little cockroach, which responds in fear when seen. A bunch of American people came to our school. I thought

Lyle Hartt Secretary Sandy West Treasurer Bryan Horton Steven Horton Richard Isom Tim Kinser Tom McChesney Angela Shupe Mission Statement

these people wanted to laugh at us. But I was mistaken. They are people willing to give up the most precious gift a person can possess- love. Their intentions to share seemed strange as they had their own kids. But these people have such big hearts to give that there is still enough room even for us little cockroaches. Then I began to feel myself not a cockroach anymore, which deserved to be killed, but a little human being. It is a wonderful feeling. Believe me. I don’t have actual statistics, but I would be confident to say that there are thousands and thousands of children and teenagers who are feeling hopeless today right here in the SW Virginia and North Carolina area. They are feeling hopeless about their future, hopeless about their family, hopeless about their relationships, and hopeless about their eternal destiny. For over 50 years Joy Ranch Christian Home for Children has been in the “offering hope” business. In order to confront today’s hopelessness and fear, more people and resources must be engaged in bringing hope. Kid’s and teens need your help more than ever. Please continue to partner with us to deliver hope. The book of Proverbs promises that he who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord, and He will pay back what he has given. (Proverbs 19:17) This is part of the benefit that comes with service to the fatherless, the widow, the poor, and the marginalized- God always provided when we desire to help! A lifelong blessing will attach itself to your life when you follow the instructions of the Lord and join Him at work in His special fields. In other words- with your time & financial resources you cannot out-give God. Please let us know through email or Facebook how God has been blessing you as a result of our work together in this harvest field through the ministry of Joy Ranch. Thank you for your friendship and partnership, Blessed By Our Call,

To provide a welcoming, safe, caring, and Christ-centered environment to meet the spiritual, physical, emotional and social needs of children and their families in crisis. History Founded in 1961 by Richard and Mary McHenry, Joy Ranch has been home to over 5000 children. Located in the Blue Ridge mountains, Joy Ranch maintains five ranch-style cottages, an administration building, a full-size gym, barns, pastures, and sport fields on 60 acres. Ministry Joy Ranch is a residential home serving children ages 5 - 21 in crisis situations due to the death, imprisonment, or incapacity of parents, or other necessitating circumstances. Dedicated house parents provide a family atmosphere where love gives life and makes a lasting difference. Joy Ranch is a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit. Your gifts are tax deductible. Make checks payable to “Joy Ranch.” We accept all major credit cards via on-line giving, with the opportunity to set up recurring gifts. Text joyranch to 41444 to donate. Joy Ranch Post Office Box 727 Hillsville, VA 24343 813 Joy Ranch Road Woodlawn, Virginia 24381 276-236-5578 Fax: 276-236-8515 www.joyranch.org On the Cover: Elkin, age 14, poses on the Joy Ranch tractor.

Brian Allen Executive Director

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